PULLMAN — No two ways about it, the Cougs will be young on special teams in 2011. And Saturday's first scrimmage gave STs coach Dave Ungerer reason to reach for the Rolaids. The group has some big shoes to fill but there are also reasons for optimism, as revealed in this CF.C exclusive with Ungerer, who offers up insights on how things are shaping up this spring on special teams.

PULLMAN — NFL scouts came to Pullman on Thursday to put more than a dozen outgoing Cougars with pro aspirations through their paces. A throng of current Cougar players looked on as spectators inside the indoor practice facility at Washington State, watching intently as their crimson brethren showcased their speed, strength and flash.

THE UNOFFICIAL MOTTO for Washington State's football program this offseason is competition. Paul Wulff, who enters his fourth season as head coach, said Friday afternoon that multiple positions are wide open as the Cougars begin spring practice next week.

WSU HEAD MAN PAUL WULFF was in the CF.C chat room on Thursday and fielded dozens of questions from CF.C subscribers. They heard, among other things, Wulff weigh in on recruiting, the running backs competition, special teams, defense, tackling, getting the ball to on offense to playmakers in a variety of ways, the health of the Cougs as spring ball draws near and a whole lot more.

WASHINGTON STATE COACH Paul Wulff said upgrading the depth and talent on both the offensive and defensive lines was a priority in this recruiting class. He also gave a breakdown on each signing, examined the depth at running back, which could include James Montgomery, the recruitment of Curtis standout Rahmel Dockery and much more.

PULLMAN – With Rodgers Field completely covered by snow and ice on Tuesday, the Cougs went inside the bubble where QB Jeff Tuel and his receiving corps looking sharp. Indeed, the Cougar offense as a whole was in rhythm as running backs Logwone Mitz and James Montgomery found holes and room to roam. From here on out, however, the Cougs are expected to practice outdoors.

WASHINGTON STATE WAS dubbed "QB U" by Sports Illustrated in the late 1990s because of the arms — and not feet — of quarterbacks such as Jack Thompson, Mark Rypien, Drew Bledsoe and Ryan Leaf. But for the first time since Jason Gesser, the Cougars have an arm and foot man under center.